CLAT 2026 Exam: Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus, Registration, Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips and Cut off

Law is one of the most prestigious and competitive career fields in India, and when it comes to pursuing law at a top university, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway. Every year, thousands of students dream of getting into the National Law Universities (NLUs), and CLAT is the key to that dream. With CLAT 2026, aspirants are already preparing rigorously to secure a seat in their desired law school.

CLAT is not just an exam; it is the defining moment for students who wish to enter the world of legal studies. The exam tests not just memory but also reasoning, analytical skills, comprehension ability, and legal aptitude. Whether it’s CLAT UG for undergraduate courses like BA LLB or CLAT PG for postgraduate law programs (LLM), the competition is intense, and the stakes are high.

This article covers everything you need to know about CLAT 2026 – eligibility, syllabus, exam dates, registration process, exam pattern, preparation tips, cut-off trends, and counselling. If you are aiming to crack CLAT, keep reading because this detailed guide is tailored just for you.

What is CLAT?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law courses offered by the National Law Universities (NLUs) and other participating institutions across India.

CLAT UG (Undergraduate): For students aspiring to pursue BA LLB (5-year integrated law course).

CLAT PG (Postgraduate): For law graduates seeking admission into LLM programs.

The exam is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU), which is a body comprising several NLUs. Each year, the responsibility rotates among NLUs to organize the exam.

Key facts about CLAT:

It is one of the toughest law entrance exams in India.

Over 70,000+ candidates appear for CLAT UG annually.

Apart from NLUs, private law colleges and universities also accept CLAT scores.

The exam is conducted offline (pen-paper based).

Simply put, CLAT is the passport to India’s most prestigious law universities.

CLAT 2026 Highlights

Here are the key highlights of CLAT 2026 at a glance:

CLAT 2026 Exam Dates

The CLAT 2026 application process began on 1 August 2025, following the official notification released by the Consortium of NLUs on 20 July 2025. Here’s a complete overview of the key dates and milestones for CLAT 2026 that every candidate should keep in mind:

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before filling out the application form, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. The Consortium sets different eligibility norms for CLAT UG and CLAT PG. If a candidate fails to meet the criteria, their application can be rejected at any stage of the admission process.

CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria 2026

CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria 2026

For law graduates seeking LLM admission, the eligibility requirements are:

The eligibility criteria are straightforward, but candidates must double-check before applying to avoid disqualification later.

CLAT 2026 Application Process

The application process for CLAT 2026 is entirely online, making it convenient for candidates across India. The Consortium of NLUs will release the application form on its official website. However, completing the form requires attention to detail because even a small mistake could lead to rejection.

The application process generally consists of the following steps:

1- Registration – Candidates need to create an account on the official website of CLAT by entering details such as name, email ID, and mobile number.

2- Filling the Application Form – After registration, candidates must log in and fill in personal, academic, and communication details.

3- Uploading Documents – Passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) must be uploaded in the prescribed format.

4- Selection of Test Centres – Candidates can select up to three test centres based on convenience.

5- Fee Payment – The application fee must be paid online through debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

6- Final Submission – After reviewing all details, candidates should submit the application and keep a printout for future reference.

The application fee for CLAT 2026 is expected to remain the same as the previous year:

General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI: ₹4,000

SC/ST/BPL category: ₹3,500

Candidates must remember that the application fee is non-refundable, so ensure eligibility before applying.

How to fill CLAT 2026 Application Form?

Filling out the CLAT 2026 application form correctly is a crucial step. Let’s break it down step by step so that candidates can avoid errors:

1- Visit the official CLAT website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

2- Click on “Register” – Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and create a password.

3- Login – Use your credentials to access the application form.

4- Fill in personal details – Candidate’s name, parents’ names, gender, category, nationality, date of birth, etc.

5- Enter educational details – Class 10 and Class 12 (for UG) or LLB details (for PG).

6- Upload documents – Photograph and signature in specified formats.

7- Choose preferred NLUs – Candidates can provide preferences for NLUs where they wish to seek admission.

8- Select exam centres – Up to three choices can be made based on convenience.

9- Pay the application fee – Payment must be done online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

10- Submit and download – Save the confirmation page and print a copy of the filled form for records.

Tips: Double-check all details, especially name, category, and contact information, since they cannot be easily changed after submission.

Documents Required for CLAT 2026 Application Form – Specifications

Uploading documents correctly is just as important as filling in details. If the specifications are not followed, the application may be rejected. Below is the list of required documents with their specifications:

Ensure that the photo is recent, clear, and preferably with a white background. The signature should be neat and done with a black/blue pen on white paper.

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the CLAT 2026 exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. The Consortium of NLUs has made slight changes in the exam over the years, so let’s look at the latest exam structure for CLAT 2026.

Section-wise distribution:

CLAT PG Exam Pattern (2026)

CLAT LLM 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus for CLAT PG (LLM) is more advanced and focuses on core areas of law studied during LLB.

•    Constitutional Law – Fundamental rights, directive principles, constitutional amendments, judiciary, federalism.

•    Jurisprudence – Theories of law, schools of jurisprudence, legal concepts.

•    Administrative Law – Delegated legislation, administrative tribunals, judicial review.

•    Law of Contract – General principles, special contracts, breach of contract.

•    Law of Torts – Negligence, nuisance, liability.

•    Criminal Law – Indian Penal Code (IPC), CRPC, general exceptions, offences.

•    Family Law – Marriage, divorce, adoption, guardianship.

•    Property Law – Transfer of property, easement, intellectual property basics.

•    Company Law – Corporate governance, Companies Act provisions.

•    Public International Law – Treaties, international organizations, human rights law.

The UG exam focuses more on reasoning and reading skills, while the PG exam tests in-depth legal knowledge.

CLAT 2026 Syllabus

The CLAT 2026 syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s reading ability, reasoning skills, and legal aptitude rather than rote memorization. Let’s go through it section-wise for UG aspirants.

UG CLAT 2026 Syllabus

1- English Language

•    Reading comprehension passages

•    Vocabulary and grammar-based questions

•    Inference, conclusion, and tone of the passage

2- Current Affairs & General Knowledge

•    National & International events

•    Important awards, books, and authors

•    Sports, government schemes, science, and technology

3- Legal Reasoning

•    Legal principles and their application

•    Facts and situations-based problem solving

•    Laws related to Constitution, contracts, and criminal law basics

4-Logical Reasoning

•    Puzzles, syllogisms, and analogies

•    Critical reasoning questions

•    Identifying arguments and conclusions

5- Quantitative Techniques

•    Basic arithmetic (Class 10 level)

•    Ratio and proportion, percentages, averages

•    Data interpretation (tables, charts, graphs)

CLAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for CLAT 2026 is a journey that requires consistency, smart strategy, and proper resource management. Since the exam doesn’t only test your memory but also your ability to read, comprehend, and apply logic, the preparation must be a balance of practice and understanding.

Here are some practical preparation strategies for aspirants:

1. Understand the Syllabus and Pattern Thoroughly

The first step is to clearly understand what CLAT tests. Many students waste time studying topics that are not even part of the exam. Focus on reading comprehension, reasoning skills, and legal aptitude.

2. Build a Strong Reading Habit

Since most sections are comprehension-based, regular reading of editorials, newspapers, and legal articles will improve speed and understanding. The Hindu, Indian Express, and Live Law are great resources.

3. Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

CLAT is a time-bound exam; hence, solving mocks under exam-like conditions is crucial. Analyze your performance after every test and identify weak areas.

4. Manage Time Effectively

•    Divide your time wisely across sections. For example:

•    Current Affairs & GK: 1 hour daily

•    English & Reading Comprehension: 1–1.5 hours

•    Legal Reasoning: 2 hours

•    Logical Reasoning: 1.5 hours

•    Quantitative Techniques: 1 hour

5. Use the Right Books and Study Material

•    English: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, High School Grammar by Wren & Martin

•    GK & Current Affairs: Manorama Yearbook, Pratiyogita Darpan, Current Affairs magazines

•    Legal Reasoning: Legal Aptitude for CLAT and Other Law Exams by A.P. Bhardwaj

•    Logical Reasoning: RS Aggarwal’s Reasoning book, Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

•    Maths: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

6. Stay Consistent and Revise Regularly

Create short notes for GK and important legal principles for quick revision. Revision is the key to retention.

Remember: CLAT is not about how much you study, but how smartly you prepare.

CLAT 2026 Admit Card

The CLAT 2026 Admit Card will be released a few weeks before the exam, most likely in November 2025. It is a crucial document without which candidates will not be allowed inside the examination hall.

Steps to Download CLAT 2026 Admit Card:

1- Visit the official CLAT website.

2- Click on the link “Download Admit Card.”

3- Log in using registered email ID and password.

4- Download and print the admit card.

Details Mentioned on Admit Card:

•    Candidate’s Name and Photograph

•    Roll Number and Registration ID

•    Exam Date and Time

•    Exam Centre Address

•    Exam Day Instructions

Things to Carry on Exam Day:

•    Printed copy of CLAT 2026 Admit Card

•    Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID)

•    Black/Blue Pen

•    Passport-sized Photograph (same as uploaded)

Important Note: Candidates must reach the exam centre at least 1 hour before the reporting time to avoid last-minute stress.

CLAT 2026 Result

The CLAT 2026 result will be declared online in January 2026, usually within 2–3 weeks after the exam. The result will be released in the form of a scorecard and merit list.

The scorecard will display:

•   Candidate’s Name

•   Roll Number

•   Category

•   Total Marks Obtained

•   Section-wise Scores

•   All India Rank (AIR)

How to Download CLAT Result 2026?

1- Visit the official CLAT website.

2- Log in using registered credentials.

3- Click on “Result” tab.

4- Download the scorecard in PDF format.

The merit list is prepared based on marks scored by candidates. In case of a tie, the following criteria are used:

1. Higher score in Legal Reasoning.

2. Higher age of candidate.

3. Computerized draw of lots.

The result plays a decisive role in admissions since it determines who gets shortlisted for counselling.

CLAT 2026 Counselling

Once the results are announced, the CLAT counselling process begins. The counselling is conducted online by the Consortium of NLUs and is common for all participating NLUs.

Step-by-Step Counselling Procedure:

1- Registration for Counselling – Candidates must register online by paying a counselling fee (₹30,000 for General, ₹20,000 for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD).

2- Seat Allotment – Based on rank, preference of NLU, and seat availability, candidates are allotted seats.

3- Acceptance or Upgradation – Candidates can either accept the seat or choose for upgradation in the next round.

4- Fee Payment – Candidates must pay the admission fee to confirm their seat.

5- Document Verification – Required certificates are verified by the allotted NLU.

Documents Required for Counselling:

•   CLAT 2026 Admit Card & Scorecard

•   Class 10 and 12 Certificates (for UG)

•   LLB Degree Certificate (for PG)

•   Transfer & Migration Certificate

•   Category Certificate (if applicable)

•    PwD Certificate (if applicable)

Tip: Candidates must keep all original documents ready before counselling to avoid last-minute rejections.

CLAT 2026 Cutoff

The CLAT 2026 cutoff is the minimum score/rank required to secure admission to an NLU. Cutoffs vary every year depending on factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, and availability of seats.

Factors Affecting CLAT Cutoff 2026:

1- Number of applicants appearing for the exam

2- Difficulty level of the paper

3- Number of available seats across NLUs

4- Previous year cutoff trends

5- Category of the candidate (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.)

Expected Cutoff 2026 for Top NLUs (UG Admission)

These are only tentative cutoffs based on previous years. The official cutoff will be released after counselling.

List of NLUs Participating in CLAT 2026

There are 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) that accept CLAT scores for admission into UG and PG law programs. Here’s the complete list:

1- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

2- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

3- National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal

4- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata

5- National Law University, Jodhpur

6- Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur

7- Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar

8- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow

9- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala

10- Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna

11- National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi

12- National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack

13- National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi

14- National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam

15- Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam

16- Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirapalli

17- Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai

18- Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur

19- Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad

20- Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla

21- Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur

22- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonepat

23- GNLU Silvassa (new campus of GNLU Gandhinagar)

24- National Law University (TNLU), Tripura

25- Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj

These NLUs collectively offer around 3,000+ seats for UG and 1,000+ seats for PG programs.
 

Top Private Colleges/Universities Accepting CLAT Scores

1- ICFAI Law School
2- Alliance University
3- School of Law and Legal Studies, SAGE University Bhopal
4- Jindal Global Law School
5- Nirma University
6- Manipal University

CLAT 2026 Helpdesk

For any queries related to the CLAT 2026 exam, candidates can reach out to the official helpdesk of the Consortium of NLUs.

•  Official Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

•  Helpline Numbers: 080-47162020 (Mon–Sat, 10 AM to 5 PM)

•  Email ID: [email protected]

Conclusion

The CLAT 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for law aspirants to enter the prestigious NLUs and begin a rewarding career in law. From eligibility and syllabus to preparation tips and cutoffs, every aspect of the exam requires attention to detail.

Success in Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) does not come overnight—it requires dedication, consistent practice, and smart planning. By following the exam pattern closely, preparing with the right resources, solving mock tests, and staying updated with current affairs, aspirants can significantly improve their chances of securing a top rank.

Remember, CLAT is not just about cracking an exam; it’s about shaping your future in the field of law. If you prepare smartly, stay confident, and manage your time well, CLAT 2026 could be your stepping stone to a successful legal career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CLAT Exam 2026

Q1. When will CLAT 2026 be conducted?
Ans: CLAT 2026 is expected to be held in 7 December 2025, and the official notification will be released in July 2025.

Q2. What is the mode of CLAT 2026 exam?
Ans: CLAT 2026 will be conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based exam).

Q3. What is the application fee for CLAT 2026?
Ans: The fee is ₹4,000 for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates and ₹3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates.

Q4. Can I apply for CLAT 2026 if I am in Class 12?
Ans: Yes, candidates appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are eligible, but they must provide proof of passing at the time of admission.

Q5. How many NLUs accept CLAT scores?
Ans: A total of 25 NLUs accept CLAT scores for UG and PG law programs.

Q6. Do any private universities accept CLAT scores for law admissions?
Ans: Yes, several well-known private universities accept CLAT scores for admission to their law programs. These include SAGE University Bhopal, Jindal Global Law School, UPES Dehradun, ICFAI Hyderabad, and more.

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